Second half strikes secure vital win

Editorial Department • Published 16 Feb 2012 13:00 0 Comments

Enniskillen 2; Annadale 1;

Enniskillen Ladies went into this game fully aware this was the bottom of the table crunch match. And with both teams in a 'need to win' situation it was going to be a close encounter.

Annadale started the stronger team from push-back and used the width of the pitch to their advantage. Their strength seemed to be down the right but any attacks were broken down quickly by Stevenson and Wilson. Annadale where being given too much time on the ball and with tackles not being made quick enough the opposition continued to push forward towards goal. The Enniskillen girls needed to adjust to playing against four in midfield and with Crawford stepping up they successfully intercepted the play. Skins started to settle and had several attacks down the wings, with Balfour and Noble able to outdo the defence, but unfortunately were awarded no corners. A great attack on the right led to an Enniskillen free from which they missed a chance to score when Strong hit a super ball across the circle but no one was able to latch on to to slot into goal.

Annadale's speed allowed them to attack quickly down their left which Kettlyes dealt with confidently. The opposition began to pile on the pressure from which they were awarded a penalty corner. A cracking shot hit the glove of Eagleson and into goal.

With the Skins girls down 1-0 at half time, a no nonsense team talk seemed to be the only option to get them back into the game.

Enniskillen came out on all cylinders and showed Annadale they meant business. The midfield of Viney, Strong and Cathcart stormed around Annadale and were able to supply the forwards with much needed opportunity to attack the goal.

Louise Noble had some super runs down the left wing, with Dane in support, she continued to drive towards the circle. From such an attack Enniskillen earned a penalty corner. A Crawford hit out found Strong who pushed the ball inside the post to make it 1-1. Enniskillen were working together as a team and producing some excellent hockey in attack. The duo of Hutchinson and Balfour interlinking produced another penalty corner and this time the hit out was to Crawford who found Noble to slot home for the second.

Enniskillen had to dig deep to continue the momentum and play safe in defence.

Annadale seemed to pick up their game again but Stevenson and McElhinney gave their wings nothing to go on. On the final whistle Annadale were awarded a penalty corner and it was up to the Enniskillen to get this clear to secure the win. The hit out was made, switched and stuck.

A vital Eagleson save was then cleared by Wilson and the whistle went to a very relieved but joyous Enniskillen team. Enniskillen Ladies are at home next week to Limavady at 1pm. The team would like to thank Janet Love for umpiring.

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This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 16 Feb 12

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